To continue supporting low-income households, the UK government issued three Cost of Living Payments during the 2025–26 financial year. These non-taxable payments, totaling £900, were disbursed in three parts: £301, £300, and £299.
Here’s the updated schedule and full eligibility breakdown.
Cost of Living Payment Dates and Eligibility
| Payment Amount | Payment Dates (DWP) | Payment Dates (HMRC) | Eligibility Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| £301 | 24 Apr – 15 May 2025 | 1 – 8 May 2025 | 26 Jan – 25 Feb 2025 |
| £300 | 30 Oct – 18 Nov 2025 | 8 – 15 Nov 2025 | 17 Aug – 16 Sep 2025 |
| £299 | 5 – 21 Feb 2026 | 5 – 21 Feb 2026 | 12 Nov – 11 Dec 2025 |
Qualifying Benefits
To receive any of these payments, individuals must have been entitled to at least one of the following benefits during the relevant eligibility period:
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Universal Credit
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Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
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Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
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Income Support
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Pension Credit
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Working Tax Credit
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Child Tax Credit
Benefits such as New Style JSA, New Style ESA, or contribution-based benefits alone do not qualify.
Additional One-Time Support in 2025–26
| Payment Type | Amount | Payment Period | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disability Cost of Living Payment | £150 | June 2025 | Disability benefits recipients |
| Pensioner Cost of Living Payment | £150–£300 | Winter 2025–26 | Pensioners receiving Winter Fuel Payments |
These payments are separate from the £301/£300/£299 set and aim to assist specific demographics with higher expenses.
Payment Process Overview
| Factor | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Method of Payment | Paid automatically into the same account where benefits are normally received |
| Application Requirement | No application needed — eligibility is determined by benefit records |
| Joint Benefit Claims | One payment issued per household |
| Delays & Backdated Awards | Late awards or recent account changes may delay payments |
Claimants with backdated benefits that include the eligibility window may still receive the payments.
What to Expect in 2026
While no official statement has been made about a similar set of payments for 2026–27, other planned updates may offer relief:
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Benefits uprating continues, following inflation trends
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The State Pension is expected to rise under the triple lock
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Universal Credit deductions capped at 15% (down from 25%) from April 2025
Claimants should keep benefit accounts updated to ensure timely deposits.
FAQs
Who received the £301, £300, and £299 payments?
Those on eligible means-tested benefits during the respective windows listed above.
Were applications required to get these payments?
No, payments were made automatically to qualifying recipients.
What if I didn’t receive my payment?
If you were eligible but didn’t receive payment, you should contact the relevant benefits office to request a review.
Do these payments affect tax or other benefits?
No, all three payments are non-taxable and do not affect other benefits or credits.
Will there be more payments in 2026?
As of now, no additional Cost of Living Payments have been confirmed for the 2026–27 period.
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